Testament of Reuben 4

1Therefore, my children, do not pay attention to the beauty of women, nor dwell on their deeds; but walk in simplicity of heart, in the fear of the Lord, laboring in good works, and in learning, and in your flocks, until the Lord gives you a wife whom he himself chooses, so that you may not suffer as I did.

2For until my father's death I did not have the boldness to look my father in the face.

3And even now my conscience strikes me concerning my sin.

4And such a thing was not done in Israel.

5Therefore, my children, I tell you, keep all that I command you, and you will certainly not sin.

6For the sin of sexual immorality is a pit for the soul, separating it from God and drawing it near to idols; for it is this that leads the mind and understanding astray, and brings young men down to Hades before their time.

7For sexual immorality has destroyed many; for whether a man is old, or noble, or rich, or poor, he brings reproach on himself before the sons of men and a stumbling block to Beliar.

8For you have heard about Joseph, how he guarded himself from a woman and cleansed his thoughts from all sexual immorality, and found favor before God and men.

9For the Egyptian woman did many things to him, and called in magicians and brought him potions; for Joseph guarded himself from every evil desire and did not accept the counsel of his soul for wicked desire.

10Therefore the God of your fathers delivered him from every hidden evil death.